----The Indianapolis Colts reached agreement with middle linebacker Gary Brackett on a five-year, $33 million contract, including a $12 million signing bonus, according to a league source.

Brackett, 29, is a seven-year veteran who has been the Colts' starting middle linebacker since 2005 and their defensive captain since 2007.

He had been looking for a contract commensurate with those responsibilities, and last week Colts owner Jim Irsay said he was prepared to make a commitment to Brackett "competitive with some of the top-notch guys at his position."

Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider.----

Brackett is the starting MLB for the colts and may have given the colts a discount as he probably enjoys playing for them......he's been to 2 superbowls with them, won 1, and has played his entire career with them.

Knowing what Brackett received, how much more do you think the Fins will have to pay to get Dansby?

Dansby has never been to the Pro Bowl. He is a great player but he doesn't deserve to be the hightest paid LB in the league. Even if we sign Dansby I hope this doesn't mean we won't draft McClain because I don't know about you guys but we need to cut ties with Crownder. Waaaaay Overrated.

Dansby has never been to the Pro Bowl. He is a great player but he doesn't deserve to be the hightest paid LB in the league. Even if we sign Dansby I hope this doesn't mean we won't draft McClain because I don't know about you guys but we need to cut ties with Crownder. Waaaaay Overrated.

Ayodele will be the first to go, Crowder will look better with some help next to him. I also agree that Dansby shouldn't be getting paid more than any other LB, but who knows, maybe he'll flourish in Nolan's scheme and be a beast.

I would not overpay for this guy. He is a nice player but not a guy to break the bank for. Maybe the fact teams are dropping out says something. Are we as desperate for this guy as the Bears were for Peppers??